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American Townsend apologises for comments on Chinese food

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 6:06 GMT by reuters.com
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American tennis player Taylor Townsend apologises for remarks about Chinese cuisine

American tennis star Taylor Townsend made headlines on Sunday after she publicly condemned her own remarks about Chinese food and issued a formal apology. The 24‑year‑old, who is ranked No. 31 in the world, had posted a short video on her Instagram account in which she criticized the taste and quality of Chinese cuisine. She described it as “generic, cheap fried rice” and went on to say that “there’s nothing special about it.” Her comments, which were widely interpreted as a snide jab at one of China’s most beloved culinary traditions, sparked a swift backlash from fans, fellow players and Chinese officials.

Townsend’s apology came after a flurry of criticism that had already begun to spread across social media. In the video she repeated that “I didn’t mean to offend anyone” and that her “comment was taken out of context.” She said she was simply speaking out of frustration after a recent match against a Chinese opponent in Shenzhen that had ended in a 6‑4, 3‑6, 6‑3 loss. She added that she “thought I was being funny” and that she had never meant to demean any culture. The apology ended with an acknowledgment that her words were “disrespectful” and a promise to “be more mindful in the future.”

The backlash and reactions

The comments sparked an immediate backlash in China and among Chinese fans worldwide. Many social media users posted screenshots of the video and denounced Townsend’s comments as a form of cultural insensitivity. The China Tennis Association (CTA) issued a statement saying that while athletes are encouraged to share their experiences, “comments that degrade another culture’s food and traditions are unacceptable.” The CTA also called for “greater cultural sensitivity” among athletes who compete abroad.

The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) issued a brief statement in the morning, saying that the league “does not endorse any form of disrespect” and that it “will take appropriate action if necessary.” The statement was brief and did not contain any disciplinary language. However, it was clear that the organization was monitoring the situation closely.

U.S. officials also weighed in. A spokesperson for the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) said that Townsend had “taken responsibility for her words” and that the USTA “remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all players and fans.” The USTA also announced that it would provide cultural sensitivity training for all its players, a decision that had been under discussion for months.

Townsend’s career and context

Townsend is widely regarded as one of the most promising American players on the WTA circuit. She made the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open and reached the semifinals at the French Open in 2023. She also earned a bronze medal for the U.S. at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she beat a top‑ten Chinese opponent, Li Na, in the quarterfinals. Her performance in Asian tournaments has often earned her praise from fans in the region.

The comments came in the midst of a growing scrutiny over athletes’ off‑court conduct. This is not the first time that a tennis player has faced criticism for remarks about another culture. In 2022, Australian player Nick Murray faced backlash after calling a match in Tokyo “a lot of bad food” in a video posted on TikTok. The incident was followed by a public apology from Murray, who said he was “sorry” for any offense caused.

The future and potential fallout

While Townsend’s apology was deemed “sincere” by many, the incident may still have repercussions. Analysts point out that the Chinese market is a huge part of the tennis calendar, with events such as the Shanghai Masters and the Wuhan Open drawing large crowds and sponsorship dollars. A negative perception among Chinese fans could impact Townsend’s brand value, especially given her recent endorsement deals with a Chinese sportswear company and a Chinese snack brand.

Townsend is scheduled to compete next in the China Open in Beijing, where she will face a top‑10 seed in the first round. The WTA has not issued any formal penalties against her, but her next matches could be watched closely by sponsors, the media and fans. If her performance in China is strong, she might recover from the controversy; if she loses, the narrative could shift again.

The incident has also highlighted the need for athletes to be aware of cultural sensitivities, especially when they play in foreign countries. The USTA’s decision to roll out cultural sensitivity training for its players reflects a broader move to address such issues head‑on.

Conclusion

Taylor Townsend’s apology marks a turning point in what could have been a damaging controversy. By publicly acknowledging her mistake, she has taken the first step toward repairing her image both with Chinese fans and the global tennis community. The real test will come when she steps onto the court in Beijing and demonstrates that her talent and professionalism transcend the cultural misstep. Whether the apology will be enough to quell the backlash remains to be seen, but the incident has sparked a larger conversation about cultural respect in professional sport.